3D Software Package for ~ 1k 1

[ESPcomposites]

Is there anything "good" out there for about 1k?

I have used Pro/E and Solidworks in the past and like those, but a little too pricey for my objective. I just want to create some 3D models and then make images of them for a book. That means I need a vector output file type though (DXF, SVG, etc.) to retain quality (so no BMP, JPG, GIF formats).

Worst case I can go with Solidworks, but I am hoping to get something for a little cheaper if it still a decent solid modeler.

Brian

http://www.espcomposites.com

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Creo Elements/Direct Personal Edition (formerly CoCreate) is free from

http://www.ptc.com/offers/tryout/pe3.htm

Alibre Design Personal (USD99) from

http://www.alibre.com/products/hobby/

 

[ESPcomposites]

I did try Creo, but it was a dead end since they don't have a usable vector format. They designed it to be very self contained.

I will look into Alibre though, thanks.

Brian

http://www.espcomposites.com

 

[jhardy1]

For that sort of money, you would HAVE to start with Alibre Design 2011

http://www.alibre.com/,

and then please tell me if you can find anything else even remotely close in terms of "bangs per buck".

There are 3 versions: Personal, Professional and Expert, starting from US$99.

Hope this helps!

 

[MiketheEngineer]

You might try SketchUp or even TurboCad. Both simple but can do basic 3D - if that is all you need.

 

[dik]

I'm currently trying out Bricscad (purchased the pro copy); it's about $550 US and is excellent so far... haven't been able to break it yet, but other than importing and exporting *.dxf files, haven't used it for 3D.

I've configured it to my old copy of AutoCAD LT... and it's very good. When I tried loading my old LT on my new laptop, Windoze 7 'broke it'.

Dik

 

[ESPcomposites]

For the guys with Alibre (or others), can you read a DXF into Illustrator (or other vector imaging software) and have it come out nice?

I am using Inkscape (need to get Illustrator soon), but it does not read in the DXF from Alibre. It will read in the CGM (or EMF), but the curves from the drawing were many line segments instead of a continuous curve.

I will keep looking into it though.

Brian

http://www.espcomposites.com

 

[ajack1]

I have never used it but have heard Rhino is very good value, might be worth a look.

 

[jhardy1]

I don't know how well Alibre's dxf files work with other programs, as I have never had th need to post-process them.

I have attached sample dxf, pdf plot of 2D drawing, and 3D pdf, for a very basic assembly, all generated in Alibre Personal.

Hope this helps.

 

[jhardy1]

Looks like you can only have one file per post. First post had the 2D pdf - here's the dxf ...

 

[jhardy1]

... and here's the 3D pdf.

Hope this helps!

 

[ESPcomposites]

Jhardy1,

Thanks. I made some as well, but the problem is that I could not get InkScape to read any of the vector formats. I will try Illustrator though.

I will give Rhino a look and Bricscad as well. I remember trying Rhino quite a while back, maybe 10 years ago. Must be fairly mature by now.

Brian

http://www.espcomposites.com

 

[jhardy1]

Brian,

I should have read your earlier post more carefully. The default dxf format for Alibre is v2007, but it also supports v14, v2000 & v2004. It is not uncommon for various packages to only support older formats of CAD neutral file formats (like dxf). Here is a v14 export - does it work any better for you?

It is also pretty common for 3D CAD packages to export 2D dxf files with curves split into short line segments. I suspect that this is because the 3D CAD geometry can have surfaces which follow pretty well ANY path through 3D space, whereas 2D neutral CAD formats typically only support a limited set of 2D entities (straight lines, circles, ellipses, etc), and you can't render an arbitrary 3D path accurately with such a limited subset of path types, so they export from the 3D model using straight line segments as a "one size fits all" solution.

 

[dik]

Thanks, jhardy1...

It loads into Bricscad without a hitch... was that a 3D drawing?

Dik

 

[ESPcomposites]

jhardy,

I tried all the different formats, but nothing worked quite right (I have a drawing that I can work from as well). But the is not necessarily the problem of Alibre, it could be on the side reading the file into Inkscape or Illustrator. The trick is to find the link between the 2D CAD drawing and Inkscape/Illustrator.

Brian

http://www.espcomposites.com

 

[jhardy1]

Dik,

Alibre is a 3D solid modelling program (see the 3D pdf file in my earlier post) which automatically generates 2D drawings of your parts. Both of the dxf files are 2D drawings generated by Alibre from the 3D model.

Hope that helps!

 

[ESPcomposites]

jhardy,

Thanks for all the help. I am very impressed by Alibre. I have not done solid modeling for 8 years (Pro/E) and it is very similar to Pro/E. The nice thing is that I had a built assembly in 15 min due to the similarity.

As far as the vector format goes, I was able to use a DXF to SVG converter and get it to work. It comes in a little odd, but I can clean it up pretty easily. Alibre is a really cool piece of software, I can't believe the price.

I did try Rhino and Bricscad as well. Neither one of those suited my current CAD knowledge, but still look good. I was surprised that Rhino looked pretty much the same as from I remember when it first came out.

Brian

http://www.espcomposites.com

 

[Metalfixer]

Here are a few more, I use Shark FX,{I know, don't let the name fool you} it's a very good program for the price. Do yourself a favor and at least check them out.

http://www.punchcad.com/

 

[HDS]

http://sketchup.google.com/

 

[ESPcomposites]

I will evaluate Shark, but according to the rep, it does not have a true assembly mode. That will probably be a deal breaker.

I will have a look at the google version as well.

Alibre is an amazing piece of software and seems comparable to Solidworks (for my needs). I can't believe how affordable it is.

Brian

http://www.espcomposites.com